The Democratic Front (TDF) has accused African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of attempting to shift attention away from policy issues by demanding explanations from President Bola Tinubu over a U.S. civil forfeiture case dating back three decades.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group urged the former vice president to address a pending Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) petition concerning the alleged transfer of $40 million in several tranches into accounts linked to his former wife, Jennifer Douglas.
TDF said Atiku’s focus on the forfeiture of $460,000 in the United States was misplaced, arguing that the case was a civil forfeiture proceeding involving the money rather than a criminal trial against Tinubu.
“The former vice president’s misplaced and irresponsible request for President Tinubu’s explanations over a 30-year-old historical incident has revealed his hidden intention to divert attention,” the group said.
It maintained that the forfeiture case did not indict or criminalise Tinubu, adding that the funds were reportedly transferred from several accounts whose ownership or operation was not directly established in court.
By contrast, TDF described the alleged $40 million transfers linked to accounts associated with Douglas as a more serious matter requiring public clarification.
The group also referenced a past investigation by an American Senate subcommittee and alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had acknowledged blocking an FBI investigation into Atiku over concerns about its implications for Nigeria’s image.
TDF called on Atiku to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged transfers between 2000 and 2008, saying Nigerians deserved full details before he made personal integrity a central issue in the 2027 election campaign.
“Atiku should come to equity with clean hands before demanding explanations from President Tinubu,” the group said.
